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Reconciliation, justice, spirituality : in conversation with John W. De Gruchy

Van der Riet, R. Louis (2014-04)

Thesis (MDiv)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary concern of this study is to gain a better understanding of the interplay between the notions of reconciliation, justice, and Christian spirituality in the work of John W. de Gruchy in order to strengthen the profile of Christian spirituality. Through close readings of de Gruchy’s works on reconciliation and justice, as well as his own reflections on Christian spirituality, this study seeks to observe the nature and content of Christian spirituality as it pertains to justice and reconciliation. This study furthers the understanding of the contribution of Christian spirituality to the practice of reconciliation and as witness of public theology. It reveals the relational character of Christian spirituality, showing its value for engagement in practices of reconciliation and justice. These core concepts are found to be inherent in the covenantal relationship between God and humankind. Consequently, reconciliation is depicted as restoration; the contours of justice and right relationship in the transcendental, Platonist choice for truth, beauty and goodness serve to encapsulate these observations in de Gruchy’s work. Spirituality, reconciliation and justice are found to interrelate particularly in the sense that all are a means to an end, and ends in themselves.